ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Cabinet approves amendment to export policy for Wheat or Meslin Flour
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the the proposal for amendment of policy of exemption for Wheat or Meslin Flour  from export restrictions/ ban.
Impact:
The approval will now allow to put a restriction on the export of Wheat Flour which will ensure a curb on rising prices of wheat flour and ensure food security of the most vulnerable sections of the society.
Implementation:
Directorate General of Foreign Trade  shall issue a notification to this effect.
Background:
Russia & Ukraine are the major exporters of wheat accounting for around 1/4th of the global wheat trade. The conflict between them led to the global wheat supply chain disruptions increasing demand of Indian wheat. As a result, the price of wheat in domestic market showed an increase. In order to ensure food security of 1.4 billion people of the country, the decision was taken to put a prohibition on export of wheat in May 2022.
However, due to prohibition on export of wheat , the demand for wheat flour has increased in foreign markets and it’ s exports from India have registered a growth of 200% during April-July 2022 compared to the corresponding period in 2021.
The increased demand for wheat flour in international market led to significant price rise of wheat flour in the domestic market.
Earlier, there was a policy not to prohibit or put any restrictions on the export of Wheat flour. Therefore, a partial modification of the policy was required by withdrawing the exemption from ban/ restrictions on export for Wheat Flour in order to ensure food security and put a check on mounting prices of Wheat flour in the country.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Govt focus on reducing road construction costs without compromising on quality: Nitin Gadkari
Union Transport Minister asks Industry to draft a 10-year Defect Liability tenure, use best international technologies for prompt Govt support
Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari has said that the policy of the government is to ensure reduction in road construction costs and improve its quality. Addressing the two-day Virtual Conference and Exhibition for the Bitumen and Road Construction - ‘BITU-CON 2020’, organized by FICCI today, Shri Gadkari said, the government is working on it but more needs to be done.
The Minister urged the industry to increase the use of plastic and rubber wastes in road construction, which also helps the environment. Apart from this, the use of waste products like oil slags from steel plants and flash should also be encouraged. He suggested use of local produce, like jute or coir, and waste products in road construction, which not only increases the life of the road but also gives a better riding experience. He said, the government will come up with a pattern design system for precast.
Elaborating on the use of technology, Shri Gadkari asked the industry to adopt world-class technologies in road construction. He called upon the industry to come up with a plan with a 10-year Defect Liability period for constructing bitumen roads, which currently is for 5 years.
Assuring the industry of full support, Shri Gadkari said, the government is open-minded, transparent, time-bound, result-oriented, and committed to quality. He called up the industry to come and cconvince the government, as it is ready to give permissions. He emphasized that if the quality od roads is improve, the share of bitumen roads will increase from gram panchayats to district roads, state highways, and national highways.
Shri Gadkari further stated that despite COVID-19, the government has been constructing roads at a fast pace and is speedily awarding the contracts. He said, the construction speed has not diminished even during this difficult period.
Applauding the pace of road construction, Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said that despite the challenges faced by COVID-19, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has surpassed its target for the construction of highways in the country.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Year End Review: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Rs. 15000 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund set up under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme Phase-II launched, 2.64 lakh AIs performed and 1.73 lakh farmers benefited
Special drive undertaken to provide concessional credit to PM-KISAN beneficiaries through Kisan Credit Cards
 ANIMAL HUSBANDRY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND 
The Prime Minister has announced for setting up of Rs. 15000 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund under AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package. AHIDF has been approved for incentivizing investments by individual entrepreneurs, private companies, MSME, Farmers Producers Organization  and Section 8 companies to establish  the dairy processing and value addition infrastructure,  meat processing and value addition infrastructure and  Animal Feed Plant. Interest subvention is provided @ 3% to all eligible entities. So far, Rs 150 Cr. project loan has been sanctioned by Banks under AHIDF.Eligible entities can apply for loan online at https://ahidf.udyamimitra.in.
 NATIONWIDE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROGRAMME  Ph. II
Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme for 20,000 bovines per district for 600 districts in the country was recently launched by the Government in September, 2019 which is one of the largest such programmes with 100% central assistance for undertaking breed improvement. Under “Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme” Phase I, 76 lakh bovines have been covered, 90 lakh AIs performed and more than 32 lakh farmers have been benefitted. The NAIP Phase-II has been initiated from 1st August 2020 in 604 districts . So far, under NAIP Phase-II, 2.64 lakh AIs performed and 1.73 lakh farmers have been benefited.
 INTEREST SUBVENTION ON WORKING CAPITAL LOANS FOR DAIRY SECTOR
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has introduced a new component “interest subvention on Working capital loans for Dairy sector” as one of the component under its scheme “Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer organizations engaged in dairy activities” . Under the interest subvention component of SDCFPO scheme so far Rs 100.85Cr has been approved as interest subvention amount against eligible total working capital loan amount of Rs 8031.23 Cr for milk unions as on 16.10.2020.
 KISAN CREDIT CARD  FOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY& DAIRYING FARMERS
A Special drive has been undertaken to provide concessional credit to PM-KISAN beneficiaries through Kisan Credit Cards. Animal Husbandry & Dairying farmers have been included in this drive. This will enable such farmers to gain access to institutional credit at concessional interest rate. 2.5 crore farmers will be covered and will benefit from credit flow of about Rs 2 lakh crores. Till date 51.23 lakh applications of Dairy farmers have been collected by Milk Unions and 41.40 lakh applications forwarded to the Banks.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Over 1 crore ‘Suvidha’ Sanitary Napkins sold through Janaushadhi Kendras across the country: Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, while giving a written reply to a question on steps taken by Government to create awareness amongst women regarding ‘Suvidha’ sanitary napkins, in Lok Sabha today, stated that Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India , the society executing the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’  scheme, has been spreading awareness about ‘Suvidha’ Sanitary napkins and menstrual hygiene through various modes.
These modes of awareness generation include advertisements such as Cinema advertisements, Bus brandings, State Transport Bus Stands audio advertisements, digital screen advertisements at Railway Stations and through social media platforms like facebook, twitter etc. and by organizing workshops, the Minister informed.
Shri Gowda said that sale of ‘Janaushadhi Suvidha’ sanitary napkins through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras started in the year 2018-2019. As on 19.06.2019, BPPI has sold 1,05,43,600 units  of ‘Suvidha’ sanitary napkins through Janaushadhi Kendras across the country.
Ministry of Tourism
Students from Yuva Tourism Club of Mumbai colleges attend workshop on Indian Textiles at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Indiatourism Mumbai is organizing students’ visits to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya to give the young minds an exposure to India’s cultural heritage
: Mumbai, February 24, 2023
Indiatourism MUMBAI, in association with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya  had organised a tour of the Sangrahalaya and a workshop on Indian Textiles for the Yuva Tourism Club students of Garware Institute of Career Education, in Mumbai today morning . In all, 45 students members from the Garware Institute, who were accompanied by a few college faculty members, participated in this initiative, which gave the young students an exposure of the rich heritage and history of our country. The students enthusiastically accepted this outdoor learning opportunity by which they gained first- hand experience of many historical objects.
In line with this idea, Indiatourism MUMBAI will organize a series of such visits from different Yuva Tourism Clubs’ students to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai, and thus provide an opportunity to these students to know about the exhibits, history and heritage of Maharashtra and India.
About YUVA Tourism Clubs:
The Ministry of Tourism has initiated establishing ‘YUVA Tourism Clubs’ as a part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations.
Tourism industry is a vital part of our country’s economy. It also plays a major role in showcasing our country’s rich heritage and culture. India is a young nation. The potential and power of its demographic dividend can be harnessed to promote responsible and sustainable tourism in the country.
The vision is to nurture and develop young ambassadors of Indian tourism who would become aware of tourism possibilities in India, appreciate our rich cultural heritage and develop an interest and passion for tourism. These young ambassadors would be catalysts for promoting tourism in India. Participation in Tourism Clubs is also expected to facilitate development of soft skills like teamwork, management, leadership besides encouraging adoption of responsible tourism practices and concern for sustainable tourism.
Through tourism clubs activities, students would gain exposure to the rich diversity of India and value its rich civilization. Tourism would enhance their sense of belongingness towards the nation.
SC/Source:Indiatourism MUMBAI/PM
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Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma on taking oath as Assam CM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma and other Ministers on taking oath in Assam.
In a tweet, The Prime Minister said:
“Congratulations to @himantabiswa Ji and the other Ministers who took oath today. I am confident this team will add momentum to the development journey of Assam and fulfil aspirations of the people.”
Shri Modi also praised the contribution of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The Prime Minister tweeted:
“My valued colleague @sarbanandsonwal Ji was at the helm of a pro-people and pro-development administration over the last five years. His contribution towards Assam’s progress and strengthening the party in the state is immense.”
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Minister for DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy chaired the quarterly review meeting on the status of expenditure from the gross budgetary support of Union Ministries for the North Eastern States.
Minister for DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy today chaired the quarterly review meeting on the status of expenditure from the gross budgetary support of Union Ministries for the North Eastern States. The meeting was attended by representatives from all 8 north eastern states and 14 union ministries.
Minister urged the Ministries to target for 100% utilization of funds before the end of the current financial year. He further added that Union Ministries must proactively coordinate with the State governments for identifying challenges in spending capacity and taking prompt action. He also said that, along with ensuring timely uptake of funds, the projects must be undertaken judiciously keeping in view their impact and benefit for the society.
Minister further exhorted the State governments to ensure expenditure of allocated amount, timely submission of utilization certificates and proactive resolution of local issues related to land allotment etc. He also urged the State governments to submit quality proposals to the Union Ministries to ensure rightful utilization of the 10% Gross Budgetary Support.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, further assured the State governments that as per the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, development of North Eastern States is a major priority and it has been ensured that there are no financial impediments in their growth and development.
Shri Kishan Reddy ji also called upon the State governments to enhance the scope of several central sector welfare schemes and organize region wide drives to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out.
He further added that the budgetary allocations for 2023-24 has increased by 110% over the 2022-23 budgetary allocations, which further strengthens the commitment and resolve to ensure last mile development of the north east region.
Minister also urged the Union Line ministries and State governments to involve the newly established field units in the North Eastern States to bring about greater synchrony and coordination in the efforts.
Ministry of Defence
KOCHI TO GOA OFFSHORE SAILING RACE COMMEMORATING AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV
As part of commemorative activities of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Indian Navy is conducting an Offshore Sailing Regatta from Kochi to Goa under aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association . Six Indian Naval Sailing Vessels  viz Mhadei, Tarini, Bulbul, Neelkanth, Kadalpura and Hariyal will be participating in this event. The race is scheduled to start on 24 Oct 21 for a tentative duration of five days and would cover an approximate distance of 360 nm between the start point at Naval Base, Kochi to Goa. The expedition is aimed at fostering the spirit of adventure and ocean sailing for the participating crew.
Each of the six INSVs - four 40 footers and two 56 footers, would be manned by six naval personnel drawn from three Commands of Navy, the ANC and IHQ MoD . In addition, Ocean Yachts from Yachting Association of India  affiliated civilian clubs would also be participating in the event. The expedition is being organised by HQSNC and Indian Navy's Ocean Sailing Node , located at INS Mandovi, Goa. The participants have been practicing for this event over the last one month and have also undergone a Capsule Course at Kochi to hone their skills. Indian Navy participants include Capt Vipul Meherishi, Capt Atool Sinha, Lt Cdr K Pednekar, Lt Cdr Payal Gupta etc, who have won medals in various events at the National level and are representing different Commands.
Two 56 footers participating in this Regatta have already made history in the Indian Navy by participating in circumnavigation. Mhadei has done solo circumnavigation 'Sagar Parikrama' with Capt Dilip Donde in 2010 and Cdr Abhilash Tomy in 2013. She has also participated in the Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro races in 2011, 2014 & 2017. Tarini has done circumnavigation of the globe 'Navika Sagar Parikrama' in 2017 with all women officers crew.
The OSN holds the Ocean Sailing yachts of Indian Navy. The crew are selected from volunteers with adequate sea sailing experience. Ocean sailing is an extremely tough adventure sport and through this, Indian Navy inculcates the spirit of adventure, enhancing risk taking abilities whilst honing essential seamanship skills including navigation, communication, technical operations of engines and onboard machinery, operation of Inmarsat equipment, logistics planning etc. It also enhances Indian Navy's ability to project its benign presence across the globe by participating in sailing expeditions like Sagar Parikrama and Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro races, IONS sailing expedition etc.
The Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Offshore Race will be flagged off from Kochi by FOC-in-C  on 24 Oct 21. The Flagging in ceremony of the race will be presided over by Commandant, Naval War College  at Goa on 29 Oct 21.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves provision of mobile connectivity in Left Wing Extremism Areas
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the "Universal Service Obligation Fund [USOF]” supported scheme to provide mobile services at 4072 tower locations identified by MHA in inhabited uncovered areas affected by Left Wing Extremism [LWE] of 96 districts in 10 States for Phase-ll project. The total project cost would be Rs.7,330 Crore.
This network would be used by the security personnel deployed in LWE affected areas. Project will also provide the mobile services to help the residents in unconnected inhabited villages which would improve the economic activities in the region. It will give impetus to the e-Governance activities in the backward and LWE affected area with the availability of digital mobile connectivity.
The numbers of Tower locations proposed in the 10 States are as follows:
|
|
S.No.
|
|
States
|
|
Districts
|
|
Number of Tower locations
|
|
1
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
8
|
|
429
|
|
2
|
|
Bihar
|
|
8
|
|
412
|
|
3
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
16
|
|
1028
|
|
4
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
21
|
|
1054
|
|
5
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
1
|
|
26
|
|
6
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
2
|
|
136
|
|
7
|
|
Odisha
|
|
18
|
|
483
|
|
8
|
|
Telengana
|
|
14
|
|
118
|
|
9
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
3
|
|
179
|
|
10
|
|
West bengal
|
|
5
|
|
207
|
|
Total
|
|
10 states
|
|
96
|
|
4072
Background:
A. LWE Phase I project
- The LWE phase-l project for providing the mobile services using 2G technology in LWE Areas with a total sanctioned cost of Rs, 4080.78 Cr is on completion.
- Total 2335 sites are radiating out of total 2355 as on date.
B. LWE-Phase-II project
- MHA in consultation with the concerned states has identified 4072 tower locations for the communication need of the security personnels deployed in 96 districts of 10 states and provided to DoT on 27th October, 2017.
- Technology proposed in the Phase-ll project has been upgraded according to the requirement of Stakeholders. Now 2G and 4G technology is being deployed in this project for providing the mobile connectivity.
Ministry of Finance
DRI busts Gold Smuggling Syndicate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
Mumbai : 16 May 2023
An operation was conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence  at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai based on specific intelligence. The operation aimed to counter the smuggling of gold into India, facilitated by two Indian passengers allegedly connected to a syndicate.
On 15th May 2023, two passengers arriving from Dubai on Emirates Flight EK 500 were placed under surveillance. The suspects were subsequently intercepted and subjected to thorough examination and personal search. As a result, a significant amount of gold in paste form was discovered concealed within four plastic pouches, meticulously wrapped with black tape. The total weight of the recovered gold amounted to 3535 grams, valued at ₹2.23 crore.
Further investigation revealed that the arrested individuals were members of a notorious syndicate operating out of Dubai, involved in daily smuggling of substantial quantities of gold. The efforts of the DRI officers have led to the seizure of the recovered gold, effectively disrupting the illicit activities of this syndicate. Both suspects have been apprehended and are currently in custody. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
This successful operation showcases the relentless commitment of the DRI in combating gold smuggling activities. It exemplifies the daily challenges faced by law enforcement officers as they strive to prevent the smuggling of gold in various forms into the country.
GSK/PM
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Ministry of Defence
Defence Corridor Projects
As per the information received from Government of Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority , the nodal agency for Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor  has signed 69 Memorandum of Understanding  with industry with potential investment of Rs 10,545 crore. Actual Investment of Rs 1,767 crore has been made by the industries in UPDIC.
Further, as per information received from Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Authority , the nodal agency for Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor  has arranged investment worth potential of Rs 11,359 crore through MoUs etc. with 42 industries. Actual Investment worth Rs 3,176 crore has been made by the industries in TNDIC.
The respective State Governments have their own Aerospace and Defence Policy to offer support to investors through various incentives. Regular interaction with all stakeholders such as DPSUs and private investors is being carried out by respective State and Union Government to understand the challenges and address issues of investors. No separate funds have been allocated by Central Government for setting up of the Defence Industrial Corridors.
The new Defence companies have the autonomy to engage manpower, as per their functional requirement.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Shanmuga Sundaram K and others in Lok Sabha today.
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Ministry of Steel
Steel Plants
The State-wise number and details of the Steel plants established by the Government and other enterprises in the country at present are given at Annexure.
To promote a Steel SPV in the state of Jharkhand, an MoU between Ministry of Steel, Government of Jharkhand and NMDC was signed on 28th June, 2015. Owing to non-allocation of captive iron ore mining lease by the State Government, the steel plant could not be set up.
This information was given by Minister of Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Annexure
PUBLIC SECTOR
|
|
STATE
|
|
UNITS
|
|
Steel Authority of India Ltd. 
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
Bhilai Steel Plant
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
Durgapur Steel Plant
|
|
IISCO Steel Plant, Burnpur
|
|
Alloy Steel Plant, Durgapur
|
|
Odisha
|
|
Rourkela Steel Plant
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
Bokaro Steel Plant
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
Salem Steel Plant
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
Visvesverya Iron& Steel Plant
|
|
RashtriyaIspat Nigam Ltd. 
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant
PRIVATE SECTOR
|
|
EASTERN REGION
|
|
STATE
|
|
UNITS
|
|
Assam
|
|
9
|
|
Bihar
|
|
42
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
139
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
7
|
|
Odisha
|
|
68
|
|
Tripura
|
|
1
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
46
|
|
Eastern Region Total
|
|
313
|
|
WESTERN REGION
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
77
|
|
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
|
|
18
|
|
Daman and Diu
|
|
3
|
|
Goa
|
|
14
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
59
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
10
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
64
|
|
Western Region Total
|
|
245
|
|
NORTHERN REGION
|
|
Delhi
|
|
2
|
|
Haryana
|
|
10
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
19
|
|
Jammu and Kashmir
|
|
8
|
|
Punjab
|
|
119
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
39
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
41
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
23
|
|
Nothern Region Total
|
|
261
|
|
Southern Region
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
29
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
29
|
|
Kerala
|
|
35
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
11
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
101
|
|
Telangana
|
|
33
|
|
Southern Region Total
|
|
238
|
|
Total : Private Sector
|
|
1057
|
|
Total: Public Sector
|
|
9
|
|
All Region Total
|
|
1066
|
|
Source JPC
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|